Definition

Leukoplakia are white patches that develop on the soft tissue of the mouth. This can include gums, tongue, or inner cheeks. The patches form over the course of weeks or months.

There are different types of leukoplakia that may appear in different areas of the body, such as the vulva in females, esophagus, or bladder. The information in this fact sheet will focus on oral leukoplakia.

Oral Thrush—Resembles Leukoplakia

Untreated leukoplakia can turn into cancer. Some types of leukoplakia carry a higher risk of turning into cancer than others. If you have leukoplakia, talk to your doctor about your cancer risk and how often you should be evaluated or tested.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, including the area where the patches are. In most cases, oral leukoplakia can be diagnosed during an oral exam. Your doctor may do a brush biopsy to check for cancer. The biopsy sample is evaluated under a microscope.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Removing the irritant—Quitting smoking or correcting dental problems often takes care of the problem.

Removing patches—If the problem persists, or if signs of cancer are present, your dentist or doctor may need to remove patches of leukoplakia. This may be done with surgery, laser treatment, electrocauterization, or freezing.

All EBSCO Publishing proprietary, consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at
HLEditorialTeam@ebscohost.com.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.